First, Sally Hansen has recently released Commander in Chic, which is more grey and significantly thinner. Commander took four coats compared to Particuliere’s one to two coats. Commander in Chic is about $8, compared to $23 for Chanel’s.

Second, those who prefer a mauve wash in their taupes may prefer China Glaze’s Channelesque.

Here’s a very quick comparison swatch:

Which is your favorite? Click to enlarge the picture…

I’d love to find a polish that is the same silvery taupe of Parisian bicycles–any suggestions?

Look, more places to wear taupe–your nails! Chanel’s Spring 2010 offering, Particuliere ($23), is not the first to make a beautiful taupe nail polish. It gives you a rich, taupe cream in one coat. In the picture below, Particuliere is applied with two coats just to make sure, but it wasn’t really needed.

Here’s a comparison to some other popular taupes on the market:

OPI for Sephora Metro Chic (thumb, in picture below): A touch of mauve sets this taupe cream apart. Note, however, that Metro Chic requires at least three coats to give you an opaque color. Dear OPI: Please add pigment. I’m juggling some things here and don’t have time.

OPI You Don’t Know Jacques (middle finger): A deeper brown. Must have two coats with this one, if not three.

Orly Country Club Khaki (ring finger, two coats): A light colored taupe, which is lovely for summer.

Zoya Pasha (pinky, two coats but only one is needed): A shimmery light taupe.

These are applied over CND Stickey base coat, covered with Poshe top coat.